Search - Die Krupps :: Rings of Steel

Good hard rockin CD

Joseph P. McDonald | Whittier, California United States | 01/20/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you like Ramstein or Nitzerebb you will surely like this one. Hard rockin industrial stuff with some electronic sounds that combine to make some great tunes. While many groups throw in a slow easy song or two this group keeps hammering at you. And they sing in English too. Great hardcore music that won't disapoint anyone."

Great songs w/ great remixes

Joseph P. McDonald | 06/30/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I must admit, this is the first Die Krupps album I've ever owned, but it has gotten me itching for more. It took a few listenings (and printed-out lyrics) before I could fully appreciate the intensity and creativeness put into this music. It has metal, dance beats, and meaningful lyrics all wrapped up in one package. My favorites include "Metal Machine Music", the remixes of "Crossfire", and "Fatherland". I would recomend this CD to anyone curious about Die Krupps because it sure has me hooked!"

Rings of Steel, an Industrial/Metal/Electronic house of powe

Eddie Lancekick | Pacific Northwest | 11/07/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Die Krupps, like the Tucker car, were ahead of their time. The end result is about the same, in the fact most people who enjoy the commercial dynasties of Rammstein, KMFDM or Nine Inch Nails have scarcely heard of this band. Die Krupps was founded in Germany in 1980, but by the mid nineties their innovative mix of electronic beats, metal harmonies and industrial vision seemed to lost steam.



DK has a great way of balancing on the edge in terms of musical vision. They don't get so Industrial that you think they are tool, but don't over saturate you with heavy, often times repetitive riffs like Rammstein. They some great synthesizer sounds on here that are deep and haunting, while their lyrical approach with the vocal efforts seems more like a blue collar statement instead of a gothic cartoon character.



Rings of Steel is a record that originally, at first listen almost seemed to have just a couple of catchy, driving metal songs on it with the rest falling into the background. As you listen to this CD more it is very apparent that each song has something to offer, making the record as a whole, an excellent listen. The album starts off with a spooky sounding track called "Bloodsuckers" that is full of awesome metal riffs and various quips from old movie quotes. Track three is no different in power or prestige, and is more focused on the vocals than technical beats. The various rhythms and tones layered in throughout make it a timeless classic. Track six is another one of my favorites in "Worst Case Scenario" and has a dub/mix of hip hop chanting in the beginning of it. This only adds to the innovative vision of this album as the track builds up to an explosive, rock anthem assault from its original track which is number fifteen. The track "Paradise of Sin" seems to be a half done rendition of Iron Butterfly's classic "In-a-godda-da-vida" and is not absent of anything strong in the structure or sound that makes Die Krupp's music something to play for almost any occasion. Track eight is "Iron Man" and no, is not a cover of the famous Black Sabbath song. In its own right, the song is well written and although somewhat simplistic, the percussion parts as well as the overall chorus of the song are driving and catchy. There sections of the backing vocalist coming in and adding words at the end of the main chorus line like "Transgression" and "Resurrection" that add a lot of flavor to the song. The song "Metal Machine Music" is much more on the techno side, but I convey that in a very dark, metal way! This song goes 100mph without falling apart in mumbled vocals and fuzzy guitars (like some songs of this nature tend to do).



Track 16 is another gem on the album as it's got some haunting synth in the background that does not take away from the continuous, rolling beat that carries throughout the tune. One I never get tired of listening to. Overall, I think this is a great album albeit a collaboration of sorts with a couple of remixed songs on it. Die Krupps is a band I just recently discovered but if anything they have in their discography is even half as good as "Rings of Steel" then I don't think I will be disappointed. If you like music like NIN, KMFDM, or Rammstein, give these guys a listen."